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Coffee Grounds #603199

Asked October 19, 2019, 11:59 AM EDT

Expert— We have been spading and tilling coffee grounds into compact clay soil for approximately 30 years at three different residences in an effort to create a fertile mixture.  Now I am wondering whether coffee grounds might be a viable alternative to bark chips as a ground cover [if the aroma is not off-putting].  I have no trouble coming home with 50 to 100 pounds of used grounds daily by stopping at four different Starbucks on my home from the gym at approximately 11:00 am.   Roger Hennagin

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

You've obviously had alot of experience successfully using coffee grounds in your garden.  Coffee grounds make a good addition to mulch, especially as slugs don't like them.  Most people recommend you don't use a thick layer of coffee grounds as mulch as they tend to clump and seal out water.  However, they make a great addition to other forms of mulch.  This article has additional  information, Coffee Grounds  - Will they Perk Up Plants?  https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/coffee-grounds.pdf.  This article has additional ways to use coffee grounds in your garden, 5 Ways to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden  http://nwedible.com/5-ways-to-use-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden/.

 

Anne, OSU Extension Master Gardener Replied October 23, 2019, 10:08 PM EDT

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